SmartLab® Curriculum

Our innovative, student-centered curriculum forms the foundation of SmartLab learning. We call them Learning Launchers®. With over 400 STEM learning expereinces in more than 60 content areas, students explore a wide range of projects and challenge levels. This engaging online, inquiry-based curriculum is accessed through the LaunchPad navigation system, a customizable, user- friendly interface. SmartLab curriculum is fully-articulated and provides authentic learning for grades K-12.

Express and Liftoff Challenges- Project-based activities created with elementary students in mind. Students explore STEM/STEAM topics and applied technology concepts with support from tutorials and tips.

Learning Launchers Levels 1,2, & 3- Collaborative, project-based learning experiences for secondary school students. A variety of challenge levels inspire students to develop their skills and understanding of applied technologies and engage in their own original inquiry.

STEM for Learners of All Abilities

Learning Launchers guide SmartLab learning with a wide selection of hands-on, minds-on projects in STEM/STEAM and applied technology. Project activities link technology concepts to core academic content in a way that’s engaging, relevant and student-centered. Vertical alignment of the curriculum fosters differentiated learning. SmartLabs meet learners where they are and empower them to go as far as they’re able.

Here's a small sample of some of our Learning Launcher topics:

Circuitry

Arduino- Design, build, and test programmable circuits that interact with the environment.

Pneumatics- Learn about the compressibility of gasses and how to harness the power of air to do work. Explore Bernoulli’s Principle and enhance pneumatic circuits by adding electrically controlled pneumatic solenoids.

Snap Circuits- Explore electricity and electromagnets as you build real working circuits.

Scientific Data and Analysis

Stellarium- Learn the basics about astronomical objects, track astronomical motion, and predict the best time to view future astronomical events.

Vernier Scientific Sensors- Use sensors to collect and analyze data ranging from the reflectivity of light, to heart rates, and even conduct a comprehensive environmental survey of the community. A variety of activities are designed to support the learning of K-12 students.

Software Engineering

Kodu Game Lab- Design and create your own computer game and learn how to control objects and scenarios with block code.

Scratch- Use your creativity and work collaboratively to program interactive stories, games, and animations.

App Inventor - Learn how to develop and troubleshoot applications for Android smartphones.

Sustainability

Energy Efficiency- Explore the consequences of recycling and urban heat islands, calculate your carbon footprint, and even conduct your own home energy audit with the help of sensors such as the watt meter and infrared camera.